at the sign of The Pink Pig

A GDine Night At Desmond's

 [Free Stuff by Wilfrid:  March 27, 2012]

I've had Desmond's on my radar for a while now.  Although widely described as a society spot, and located in a high-ceilinged old banking hall, across the street from Bloomingdale's loading docks, it looked smart and welcoming in the photos I saw.  And it's only a step from the Subway Inn.

I got my chance with an invitation from GDine, the Chicago-based group dining community which recently launched in New York.  GDine negotiates group dining packages at reduced rates and provides an online booking interface rather than distributing coupons or vouchers.

The Cheese: Brebis D'Argental

[Pigging by Wilfrid:  March 27, 2012]

From Murray's, a nice square of Brebis, melting but not runny in the center.

I like this with a light red wine.  The paste is creamy; mildly vegetal but not composty. 

Quickly To London: Ten Years Ago

[Pink Pig Time Machine:  March 27, 2012]

According to my diary, I flew overnight into London Heathrow, then made a trip to Surrey.  Why Surrey?  It seems to have been an unlikely destination for work.  Did I still have some books in storage on an industrial estate outside London?  Perhaps.

Never mind; I did some eating and drinking.

Quick Bites: At Hawkers Again

[Pigging by Wilfrid:  March 23, 2012]

This sleek Thai/pan-Asian on the north side of 14th Street remains resolutely off the "foodie" radar.  Unfairly, perhaps, because everything I eat there - and I go often enough - is fresh, flavorful, and remarkably good value.

I guess the location and the Gano Grill murals lose it points on the authenticity scale.  It has neither the look nor feel of an earnest Asian eatery in Queens.  It's good, though.

Mediocre Monkey Bar

[Pigging by Wilfrid:  March 19, 2012]

Sometimes service issues can overshadow a meal.  They did on this occasion; but the meal nevertheless disappointed, especially after the positive review which followed the relaunch six months ago.

Ironically, the restaurant seems to have taken its foot off the pedal just as news leaks out of increased prices - for the tasting menu and steak at least (thanks to New York's restaurant price hike spy Ryan Sutton).

Tasting Tocqueville: Ten Years Ago

[Pink Pig Time Machine by Wilfrid:  March 19, 2012]

Still unpacking after the apartment move ten years ago,  I was mainly trying out my new home kitchen.  I did manage to get to dinner at Tocqueville, though.

Strange thing about looking at an old diary - I am imagining in my mind's eye dining at Tocqueville as we know it now; but in 2002 I must have been at the old location, the wedge shaped dining room which is now 15 East.

2012 International Restaurant Show In Pictures

[Pigging by Wilfrid: March 15, 2012]

Just for fun, here's a heap of images captured at the recent International Restaurant Show at the Javits Center.

The Buckhead Beef people were carving a beautiful joint.  Most tender.

Down On Gwynnet St

[Pigging by Wilfrid:  March 12, 2012]

While Pete Wells has been spotted eating at Gwynett St twice recently, rumors that he might be about to make his first four star award might be premature. 

Although if Il Buco V&A rates three stars, it would kind of make sense.  After all Gwynett St is pretty good.

Alain Ducasse: Ten Years Ago

[Pink Pig Time Machine by Wilfrid:  March 12, 2012]

Does anyone else remember a New York restaurant called Touché?  In the East Village, perhaps?  Because according to my journal, I ate there in March 2002, and I remember nothing about it.

I remember a birthday dinner at Alain Ducasse more clearly.

Quick Bites: Joe Dough's French Dip

[Pigging by Wilfrid:  March 9, 2012]

Sitting in the window of Joe Dough's sandwich shop on First Avenue, I got to thinking about how the East Village is now sandwich central.  Especially if you include burgers.

Recently, the Local East Village had me writing about local porchetta panini. There's Luke's excellent lobster and crab rolls, Wechsler's currywurst on a roll, Momofuku's pork buns, This Little Piggy's roast beef subs.